New Optomap® Technology Can Better Detect Eye Disease

Vision Care Associates is the first optometry practice in central Illinois to offer its patients the Optomap®—an improved eye exam which can help prevent unnecessary vision loss by early detection of eye disease or damage to the retina. Utilizing the Optomap, the professionals at Vision Care can now capture the most extended view of the retina possible without the need for pupil dilation.

"For the first time, we can now get a clear and comprehensive view of the retina, with the great advantage that our patients do not have to endure the discomfort and blurred vision typically experienced with dilated pupils," said Michael J. Bruce O.D. "We are recommending that all of our patients have this important, and potentially vision saving exam.

The Optomap exam, developed by Optos North America, headquartered in Marlborough, MA, captures an image of nearly the entire retina in just seconds, without having to dilate the patient's pupil. This extended view of the retina allows professionals at Vision Care to detect disease and damage earlier and, in many cases, can prevent or reduce vision loss.

The Optomap exam is simple: at the push of a button, we can generate a computer image of your retina for immediate review. Experience with this technology has already led to improved disease detection and has possibly prevented vision loss and blindness in several patients.

We are delighted to be the first to bring this exciting new technology to our patients. The Optomap exam gives us another tool to detect and diagnose such eye problems as detached retina and retinal diseases caused by diabetes. In order to preserve a patient's vision, it is critical to detect these conditions very early. Now we can easily do that, quickly and without any patient discomfort.

Among some of the most common forms of eye disease in the United States are diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in American adults, is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. When left untreated, 50 percent of patients will lose eyesight; however, when treated appropriately, a large percentage of patients can maintain their vision. Macular degeneration, which destroys sharp, central vision, is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55 and affects more that 10 million Americans.

To schedule your comprehensive eye examination, please call our appointment line, (217) 528-3233.

Optical Coherence Tomography

With the Stratus OCT it is possible to diagnose GLAUCOMA years before it is detected with traditional visual field testing.

You can count on Vision Care Associates to stay a step ahead of the curve when it comes to the welfare of our patients. In keeping with our commitment to offer the absolute state-of-the-art in medical technology, we are pleased to announce the purchase of Humphrey's latest diagnostic instrument, the OCT3 (Optical Coherence Tomography Scanner). This instrument will aid the doctors at Vision Care in detecting and diagnosing glaucoma and retinal disease, including macular degeneration.

Our mission is to provide the best quality eye care that is possible, and we believe "seeing better is worth it".

Visual Field Testing

Vision Care Associates is dedicated to ocular disease diagnosis and management. The Humphrey Field Analyzer with its advanced software enables the doctors diagnose diseases resulting in field loss. This will be another valuable tool to aid us in intervening as early as possible with a treatment to prevent further vision loss as a result of glaucoma.

The Humphrey® Field Analyzer II is the recognized standard of care for early diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases resulting in visual field loss, including glaucoma.

New Corneal Measurement Technology

We now have the most advanced corneal mapping technology. Computerized corneal topography is a three dimensional imaging process used to map the surface power of the cornea. The data points gathered are then digitized and analyzed by sophisticated computer software. The result is a detailed map of the corneal curvature much like a topographical map of land.

With this information the doctor is able to design soft and gas permeable contact lenses with curvature changes every 10 microns creating the ultimate custom lens. This results in a more comfortable contact lens and better vision. In addition, data gathered from topography can be used in the diagnosis and management of corneal disease and curvature abnormalities. Also, this instrument is essential for determining if a patient is a candidate for refractive surgery, in addition to managing their pre-operative and post-operative care.

Advanced Retinal Imaging & Telemedicine

Vision Care Associates now offers digital retinal photography. The procedure is very simple and designed for patient comfort. The equipment produces a high quality color digital image of the retina, instantly displaying it on a high-resolution monitor; used to detect the earliest stages of retinal change.

It ensures that clinical information is comprehensive and facilitates in the proper diagnosis of a wide range of eye disease. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are some of the common eye diseases that the imaging system is helpful in identifying and tracking over time. An additional benefit this system brings is its ability to e-mail images to other doctors for review, when appropriate. Investing in this type of technology is just one way Vision Care Associates demonstrates its commitment to providing patients with the best diagnostic care available today.